Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged Ghanaians to stop blaming nature for the country’s recurring environmental challenges, saying many disasters are worsened by human activities.
She said issues such as flooding and environmental degradation are often linked to irresponsible practices, including improper waste disposal and activities that obstruct natural waterways.
Speaking to journalists after taking part in a community clean-up exercise at Nungua, the Vice President said human actions have contributed significantly to many of the challenges communities face.
“We are here because something has gone wrong. A lot of it is something that you and I have caused. We know that nature will do its own thing, but sometimes we also contribute negatively to the outcomes,” she said.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang explained that the consequences of poor environmental practices often affect people who may not necessarily have contributed to the problem.
“There are times when even the person who suffers may not necessarily have been the one who caused the damage. When we throw garbage into our drains, maybe that is the reason why somebody’s house is finally flooded because we are blocking the water from taking its natural course,” she said.
She called on Ghanaians to view the clean-up exercise as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time activity, stressing that protecting the environment requires sustained commitment from everyone.
“We all know the right things. We don’t need any sermon. We know. Let’s do the right things and protect each other and protect our country,” she urged.
The Vice President also commended residents and volunteers who participated in the exercise, describing their involvement as a reflection of unity and collective responsibility.
“I want to thank you all for coming out to help because there’s a time we should all show love,” she said.
The clean-up exercise forms part of efforts to improve sanitation, promote responsible environmental practices and reduce the impact of flooding and other environmental challenges across the country.
